Occipital Nerve Blocks for Chronic Headaches: A Medical Guide from Napa

Understanding Occipital Nerve Block Treatment for Cervicogenic Headache Relief in Napa, CA

By Dr. Jackie Weisbein, DO, Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Interventional Pain Management

Quick Insights

An occipital nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication to the occipital nerves at the base of the skull. This targeted treatment may provide relief for patients experiencing chronic headaches originating from the back of the head, including cervicogenic headaches. While research continues to evolve, clinical experience suggests these blocks can offer meaningful symptom reduction for patients who have not responded to conventional therapies, with most procedures completed in under 10 minutes with minimal side effects.

Key Takeaways

• While some studies suggest efficacy, the overall body of research on occipital nerve blocks is limited, and more high-quality trials are needed.
• Patients in Yountville and St. Helena often seek blocks when medications haven’t worked.
• The procedure targets specific nerves to address back-of-head pain—a key concern for many chronic migraine sufferers.
• Side effects are usually mild, but outcomes vary; more studies are needed for clear guidance.

Why It Matters

For patients whose migraines start at the back of the head and haven’t responded to standard treatments, an occipital nerve block offers hope for relief. Research indicates results may vary, but for families frustrated by persistent pain, even incremental improvement can mean getting back to daily life.

Introduction

When I talk with patients about an occipital nerve block, I always start with the basics: it's a targeted injection at the base of your skull, designed to calm inflamed nerves and offer relief for those frustrating, persistent headaches that just won’t quit. As a double board-certified pain specialist and President of WIPM, my mission is to deliver advanced, minimally invasive care right here in Napa—personalized for each person who walks into my clinic, whether you’re from Yountville, St. Helena, or anywhere in the North Bay.

Occipital nerve blocks matter because when migraine pain starts at the back of the head and standard medications let you down, a new, focused option can restore possibility. These injections are performed under careful guidance, tailored to your unique history and needs.

Research suggests that while most evidence centers on other migraine treatments, procedures like this may help patients when other chronic migraine options haven’t worked; see this simple migraine explainer from the Mayo Clinic for current standards.

I see patients tired of being dismissed or handed another prescription. If you’re frustrated—especially if your pain starts at the back of your head and nothing else has helped—let’s talk about personalized care that goes beyond band-aid fixes.

What Is an Occipital Nerve Block?

When I explain an occipital nerve block to my patients, I start with the basics: it’s a quick, targeted injection at the base of your skull, right where the occipital nerves live. These nerves can get irritated and trigger headaches that start at the back of your head—something I see all the time, especially in people like Lena, a local teacher who just wants to get through her day without that constant ache.

The procedure itself is minimally invasive. I use a small needle to deliver a mix of anesthetic (numbing medicine) and sometimes a steroid, aiming to calm those inflamed nerves. Most people describe the injection as a brief pinch, and the whole thing usually takes less than 10 minutes in my office.

In my experience, patients from Yountville to American Canyon often come in after trying everything else—medications, physical therapy, even lifestyle changes. For many, the idea of a focused, non-surgical option is a relief. If you want a deeper dive into how nerve blocks work, the Mayo Clinic’s migraine treatment page is a great resource.

As a pain management specialist who’s performed thousands of these procedures, I’ve found that just understanding what’s being done—and why—helps reduce anxiety. Many patients feel reassured by the precision and simplicity of the approach, especially after years of trial-and-error with medications that haven’t targeted the root problem.

Candidates for Occipital Nerve Block Treatment

I see a lot of people—like Lena from Napa or busy parents in St. Helena—who are at their wits’ end with headaches that start at the back of the head. If your migraines haven’t improved with standard medications, and the pain is focused near the base of your skull, you might be a candidate for an occipital nerve block.

This option is especially considered for:

• Patients whose pain is mostly at the back of the head
• Those who have tried oral medications, physical therapy, or even other injections without lasting relief
• People who want to avoid daily medication side effects

I’ve noticed that many of my patients are skeptical—understandably so, after years of being told “just try another pill.” That’s why I always take time to review your full history and make sure this approach fits your unique situation. For those already connected to local resources like Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center, I coordinate care to ensure safety and continuity.

As someone who regularly works with active Napa Valley adults who want real answers—not just more medications—I want you to know that considering a nerve block isn’t giving up. Instead, it’s about exploring all reasonable options to help you regain control, especially if you’re frustrated by lingering pain and temporary fixes.

How Is the Procedure Done? (Step-by-Step Overview)

When you come to my clinic for an occipital nerve block, here’s what you can expect:

• I’ll review your headache history and make sure the pain pattern matches what this procedure targets.
• You’ll sit or lie comfortably, and I’ll clean the area at the back of your head.
• Using a tiny needle, I inject a small amount of numbing medicine (sometimes with a steroid) right where the occipital nerves exit the skull.
• The whole process usually takes less than 10 minutes.

Most of my patients—especially those who’ve been through more invasive treatments—are surprised by how quick and straightforward this is. I always check in with you during and after the procedure to make sure you’re comfortable. For a visual overview, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers a helpful guide on headache procedures.

In my 15 years of interventional pain practice, I’ve found that walking patients through each step makes a real difference in comfort and outcomes. Even for those who’ve had disappointing experiences elsewhere, having a clearly explained, hands-on approach—and knowing the procedure is tailored to their specific pattern of pain—often eases their stress and builds trust in the process.

What to Expect from Treatment and Recovery

After an occipital nerve block, most people feel numbness or tingling at the injection site for a few hours. Some experience headache relief within minutes, while for others, it may take a day or two. I always tell my Napa and North Bay patients—especially those like Lena who are juggling work and family—not to expect instant miracles, but to watch for changes over the next week.

Side effects are usually mild: temporary soreness, a small bruise, or rarely, a brief increase in headache. I encourage you to keep a headache diary so we can track your response together. In my practice, I’ve seen some patients get several weeks of relief, while others may need repeat treatments or a different approach.

If you’re tired of being told “just live with it,” know that you have options. For more on what to expect, the Mayo Clinic’s migraine resource is a solid reference.

For many Napa Valley residents who’ve cycled through countless therapies, seeing even a modest improvement feels meaningful. I always emphasize that while results can vary, the goal is to improve day-to-day function—even a small decrease in pain can mean getting back to work, enjoying family time, or finally finishing a good book.

Are Occipital Nerve Blocks Evidence-Based? (Limitations & Research Gaps)

I want to be completely transparent: while occipital nerve blocks are widely used for back-of-the-head migraines, the research is still catching up. Most large studies and guidelines focus on other chronic migraine options—like triptans, CGRP monoclonal antibodies, or onabotulinumtoxinA injections. There just aren’t many high-quality trials looking specifically at occipital nerve blocks for migraine.

That said, in my real-world practice, I’ve seen patients who failed every standard therapy finally get some relief with this approach. For people like Lena—who’ve tried everything and are desperate for a new option—this can be worth considering, even if the science isn’t definitive yet. I always discuss these limitations openly, so you can make an informed choice.

If you want to see what the broader research says about migraine treatments, the JAMA migraine review is a good place to start. Just know that occipital nerve blocks are often considered when other therapies haven’t worked; however, guidelines differ in their recommendations, with some offering weak endorsements due to limited evidence.

As a double board-certified pain specialist practicing in Napa Valley, I rely on my training, procedural experience, and careful patient follow-up to help fill in those research gaps. While direct evidence is limited, some clinicians report that targeted procedures like occipital nerve blocks may provide relief for patients who have not responded to other treatments.

Advanced Headache Treatment Options in Napa Valley

When you’re frustrated by years of pain and failed treatments, expertise matters. As a double board-certified pain physician and President of Women Innovators in Pain Management, I’ve performed over 100,000 advanced procedures—including occipital nerve blocks—for patients from Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and beyond.

I see a lot of people who’ve bounced between clinics, feeling dismissed or rushed. My approach is different: I take the time to listen, review your full story, and tailor a plan that fits your life. For many Napa Valley families—especially those working in the wine industry or commuting from places like Vallejo or Fairfield—convenience and trust are everything.

If you’re looking for a clinic that offers both advanced procedures and holistic support (like ergonomic coaching and wellness referrals), you’re in the right place. For more on local resources, check out Napa Valley College’s wellness programs.

I often meet patients from all over the North Bay who’ve nearly given up on finding help. It’s always rewarding to provide not only advanced procedures but also the thoughtful, ongoing care that makes recovery possible—even for those with complicated or long-standing headaches. Many have shared their journeys; you can read verified patient testimonials to see the kinds of outcomes real patients experience.

Why Choose Dr. Jackie Weisbein for Your Pain Relief Journey

I know how exhausting it is to feel like you’re out of options. That’s why I built my Napa practice around personalized, boutique care—so you’re never just a number. Every occipital nerve block is performed by me, using the latest techniques and safety protocols.

My patients—whether they’re teachers from Napa, retirees from Sonoma, or busy parents from American Canyon—deserve more than a “band-aid” approach. I combine advanced interventional treatments with holistic support, so you can get back to the things you love.

If you’re ready to explore a new path, I invite you to reach out. For those who want to learn more about comprehensive pain care in our region, Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center is a trusted local hospital many of my patients rely on for additional support.

Voices from Our Community

As someone who’s dedicated my career to restoring function and hope—whether through occipital nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, Intracept, SI-BONE fusion, or ReActiv8—I’m always moved by the stories our Napa Valley community shares. My approach is all about combining advanced, evidence-informed procedures with a boutique, patient-centered experience. One Google review really captures what we strive for in the North Bay:

David: The other orthopedic facility I looked into says surgery was the only answer. Really ??? Went to see Dr. Huffman 2nd opinion. Dr. Huffman referred me to Dr. Weisbein to try injections before a surgery. The cinerio in my neck is serious. OMG !!! Dr. Weisbien changed my life. The injections allowed me to start living again. The entire office staff is always helpful and friendly.! Having a superb medical team in your corner, is just as important as having a wonderful auto mechanic.

Hearing this kind of feedback from our Napa and St. Helena neighbors reminds me why I built my practice around advanced care and genuine connection.
Read the full review on Google

Conclusion

In summary, an occipital nerve block offers a focused, minimally invasive option for those whose migraines start at the back of the head and haven’t improved with standard treatments. While research is still catching up, my real-world experience shows that this procedure can provide meaningful relief for some patients—especially when frustration and skepticism are running high.

If you’re tired of feeling dismissed or stuck with pain, know that you have options. As a double board-certified physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, and President of Women Innovators in Pain Management, I’m committed to delivering advanced, personalized care. You don’t have to live in pain—there are real options. Schedule your consultation today.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.